Book Launch, In Archaeology: Narcissus revealed in Pompeii and a Medieval woman’s seal

From my Fantasy Writing Desk:

Book Launch

I’m looking forward to seeing my Arizona readers at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore this Sunday, Feb 24, 2-3 pm for the book launch of Priestess of Ishana. One of my favorite authors, Beth Cato, will be joining me for a lively conversation. Everyone is invited. The Pen’s address is 4014 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale.

Archaeology I enjoyed:

Latest of Pompeii’s new frescoes

Narcissus admired himself in private for 2,000 years. But now he’s gone public.

The recently reopened excavations at Pompeii have revealed another fresco treasure. While the irresistibly beautiful face (mythologically speaking) of Narcissus shows damage, most of the scene is amazingly well preserved.

Narcissus reclines by a pool with a nearby winged figure, probably Eros. And, for me, the most compelling detail is Narcissus’s hunting dog tugging at his tunic trying to pull him away from his deadly infatuation. Leave it to the dog to be sensible and ready to go play in the forest.

The house where Narcissus decorates the atrium wall also had the scene of Leda and the swan in its bedroom that I reported earlier. A house full of art.

Click here for the New York Times “Archaeologists in Pompeii Find Fresco of Narcissus in ‘Extraordinary’ Condition”

A Medieval seal and the tale it tells

For those who have read my novel Priestess of Ishana, you’ll know seals—restricted, stolen or forged—feature in my plot. Getting hold of someone’s seal was the Bronze Age method of identity theft.

Apparently, this held true for seals in the Medieval period, also. Found in Denmark, this 14^th century seal stamp bears a woman’s name, Elisabeth Buggesdatter (Bugge’s daughter)—somewhat unusual for the time. Her father was viewed as a national hero after he unsuccessfully revolted from a king and was murdered. His fame seems to have influenced her choice of using the family name Bugge, instead of the more common system of her father’s first name, Nielsdatter. Perhaps this is an early example of “branding.”

She used her seal to certify the legal documents for several land purchases and sales she was known to have conducted. She appears to have lost the seal during her lifetime.

Ah, the plot twists such a loss could create for a writer! I suspect Elisabeth’s story would be full of interest if we unraveled it.

Click here for Archaeology Magazine “Artifact.”